Interpreting a Political Cartoon

Like all skills, interpreting a political cartoon is a skill that students
need help to develop. There are several steps to determine the meaning of
a political cartoon. A political cartoon is a visualization that expresses
opinions. Cartoons use symbols and caricatures (an exaggeration of a
person or object) to portray opinions, express concerns, draw attention to
problems, and describe relationships about people and events. Modern
cartoons do the same as those from the past. They are an opportunity for
the cartoonist to exaggerate objects and people to call attention to a
particular point of view.

When viewing a political cartoon there are several steps to determine exactly
what the cartoonist is trying to say.

Look first at the title

What does it tell you about the topic?

Now determine the main theme or subject of the cartoon

Next look at the symbols in the cartoon

What do they mean?

Are any of them commonly used in the media?

Now look at the caricatures

What is exaggerated?

Who do the people in the cartoon represent?

Identify the issues being addressed

Determine the point of view of the cartoonist

What conclusions does the cartoonist want the reader to reach?

What message does the cartoon portray?

Is the message positive or negative? Is the point of the cartoon to
motivate or change opinion?

Political Cartoon Sites

NOTE: The sites listed below offer current
cartoons. The cartoons change daily. You must check before using a
site with students to determine if the current content is appropriate. You
cannot count on these sites and cartoons remaining static. The sites
change daily but they do maintain an archive of past work.